Originally posted by theoneeyedman
Absolutely, the UK should become a republic. In a supposedly egalitarian age why the hell am I the Queens', or anybodys, subject? There is NO
justification for the monarchy whatsoever.

Well then don't vote for someone like that then! You're either for democracy (warts and all) or you're not. To have a real democracy we need an
elected Head of State, not someone who assumes the role as a birthright. If you don't like the idea of elections then please drop any pretence of
believing in democracy.

But its easy to say get rid of them. But what would you replace it with. I mean surely the reason the E.U cant sell itself to the people of Europe is
because it doesnt mean anything to us. Havent we eroded enough of our culture as it is, last time i went to london i couldn't find a fish'n'chip shop.
Now im sure that in itself isn't going to lead to the break down of society, but it's still kinda weird.

I do get where you are coming from. But I just cant agree that someone should be born into power. Imo Its just not right in this day and age. Id
rather us run our selves through an x factor type voting system than have the queen in charge.

Well then don't vote for someone like that then! You're either for democracy (warts and all) or you're not. To have a real democracy we need an
elected Head of State, not someone who assumes the role as a birthright. If you don't like the idea of elections then please drop any pretence of
believing in democracy.

I never said I wanted a true democracy or that I supported the Royals, I just prefer the system we have in comparison to the alternative.. you might
feel it is right, which is cool, but it is not a system I agree with.

I would fight against a Republic (but not for the monarchy) as the whole premise of out with the old and in with the new reminds me to much of the
previous attempt.

To me it just seems so strange that a very average family can get away living in such pomp and privilege,, owning swathes of the country and expecting
us to pay towards their up keep. Does anyone deserve to live like this , just due to be born in the right family? Realistically the best we can hope
for is William becoming king and toning the whole thing down and modernising their role. Although I wont hold my breath on that one. Ithink Charles is
quite determined to be King.

Originally posted by woodwardjnr
To me it just seems so strange that a very average family can get away living in such pomp and privilege,, owning swathes of the country and expecting
us to pay towards their up keep. Does anyone deserve to live like this , just due to be born in the right family? Realistically the best we can hope
for is William becoming king and toning the whole thing down and modernising their role. Although I wont hold my breath on that one. Ithink Charles is
quite determined to be King.

Most of the Royal property is held in trust through the crown Estate and other Organisations, the money from these estates vastly outweighs the cost
of the civil list.

While the Royal's are very wealthy, in truth they are not ridiculously rich. Buckingham palace and most of the famous residences are working
households containing offices and staff. Even if we had a elected President they would more than likely reside in Buck house, and i doubt they would
live in any less splendour or cost us less money. And like it or not, getting rid of the Monarchy does not mean people wouldn't be born into extreme
wealth. To stop this we would need to move towards a Communist society, this i would fight against.

“Capitalism and communism stand at opposite poles. Their essential difference is this: The communist, seeing the rich man and his fine home, says:
'No man should have so much.' The capitalist, seeing the same thing, says: 'All men should have so much.'”

“Capitalism and communism stand at opposite poles. Their essential difference is this: The communist, seeing the rich man and his fine home, says:
'No man should have so much.' The capitalist, seeing the same thing, says: 'All men should have so much.'”

edit on 13-1-2011 by Rocketman1
because: (no reason given)

I would say you have been brainwashed by your Capitalist system if you believe such nonsense.

For those of you with the time, read the modern histories of those countries with monarchs, and those countries without, such as Germany, Russia,
France, Italy,(as is now) there is a huge difference, its a matter of stability.

In my opinion there is no greater representation of the tremendous injustice in this world, than our Royal family. Arguing that they bring in
money...so what? Is that all that matters? We complain about the crooked banking system and then defend this disgraceful ruling class pageantry via
the most vulgar of terms. Selling weapons to third-world dictators will make us money.

Hey OP, it may also help if you define what you mean by Republic. As far as I know, you guys have a type of Republic already.

A Republic is usually defined as a form of government that at it's base is a Constitution that protects the rights of the individual from the
collective majority. Maybe a link to a breakdown of what you mean or your description.

You could have a Republic with a direct democracy even. Just saying.

edit to add-I know the basic definition is just a form without a monarchy and is based on the power of government being in the people, but that is not
very descriptive.

I'm Irish but take a close interest in Britains affairs. Would there be any real point in changing the monarchy for a president? Neither would have
much power. In Ireland, we got rid of the British monarchy for obvious historical reasons, but our president is basically powerless, despite being
head of the army and having to sign off bills that go through government. In reality, all she does is rubberstamp the deals, and takes trips abroad to
promote Ireland.

Also, if the UK was going to switch to a republic, would it also call into question the existence of the UK itself, with possible independence
referendums to break up the UK into the independent countries? I think Scotland is having an independence referendum in the near future, what would
this mean for the UK as a whole if it was passed?

I agree that it would call into question the unity of the Kingdom. The only reason we have a U.K is because of King James I.without him i think the
Scotosh would never have joined the U.K. N.I and Wales are clearly very different situations and i doubt would move towards independance, but
Scotland always seems to be in two minds as it is.

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